"Dust Storm - Art and Survival in a Time of Paranoia," comes to California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) on Thursday, April 10. The story of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II will incorporate the art of the late UC-Berkeley art professor Chiura Obata and a solo performance by Zachary Drake.

"This will be a riveting, historically flawless performance about a fictional Japanese American teenager's odyssey during the internment era. It will propel us into a discussion about the contemporary meaning and importance of civil liberties, nationality, citizenship, borders, difference, and more," said Colleen Fong, professor of Ethnic Studies and event organizer.

She chose this performance because it demonstrates the complexities of the internment experience from the point of view of an individual who is of traditional-college-student-age and captures the fears and aspirations of life, all with historical accuracy.

It also fits into multiple aspects of university curriculum: oral communication, critical thinking, the performing arts and humanities, history and social science, cross-cultural groups as well as our mission, values and vision.

Drake, a resident of Albany, has extensive performance experience, especially in the areas of Asian American theatre. Recently, he narrated the "Gold Rush" episode of the History Channel's Emmy award-winning "10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America.' He holds a B.A. in computer science and psychology from Yale, and is a computer game producer for Emotiv Systems, a San Francisco startup.

While admission is free, reservations are requested for groups of 10 or more at (510) 885-3181.

The University Theatre is on the northeast side of campus. Parking is available in pay lots for $3.50 per day.

Dust Storm - Art and Survival in a Time of ParanoiaNoon-1:30 p.m.University TheatreNortheast side of CSUEB campus25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward(510) 885-3181Admission is freeParking $3.50